File photo for reference only

 

Thai Defence Minister Nattapol Nakphanit refuted claims that China supplied weapons to Cambodia shortly before a recent border clash with Thailand. This follows a New York Times report suggesting Chinese arms were delivered to Cambodia in June, prior to the late July conflict. Nakphanit insisted these are old rumors, and intelligence agencies have not confirmed recent arms transfers.

 

China did supply Cambodia with arms in February, but that was months before tensions escalated. Minister Nattapol expressed confidence in China's careful consideration regarding any further arms supplies due to existing border tensions. He noted no new intelligence on recent deliveries from Beijing.

 

While speculation exists about unsent Chinese weapons after joint exercises, Cambodia has not disclosed relevant details. Unlike Cambodia, Thailand's arms information is disclosed during Parliamentary sessions, creating an imbalance in transparency between the two countries.

 

Nattapol emphasized Thailand's commitment to addressing issues peacefully and through bilateral negotiations. However, he acknowledged Cambodia’s readiness to engage in conflict while negotiating. The New York Times detailed the arrival of six Chinese military flights in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, carrying rockets and artillery in June, preceding the border conflict.

 

These Chinese weapons were reportedly stored in containers at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base and later moved to the contested border area. A senior Cambodian official did not dispute key details of these reports, as verified by Thai intelligence.

 

Looking Ahead, Minister Nattapol asserted that diplomatic channels would remain open to manage tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, emphasizing negotiation over confrontation. Meanwhile, further scrutiny of arms activities in the region is likely as both nations navigate this period of heightened military vigilance.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thai Defense Minister dismisses reports of recent China-Cambodia arms supply.
• Tensions rise amid contrasting transparency practices between Thailand and Cambodia.
• Diplomatic negotiations favored over confrontation by Thailand.

 

Related Stories

Thailand’s Border Trade Slumps 23.6% in August

Thai PM Authorizes Military Response to Border Tensions

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-10-02

 

 

New York Times    🤣

So where is Cambodia getting its mines from?

14 minutes ago, Dan747 said:

So where is Cambodia getting its mines from?

China

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Nakphanit insisted these are old rumors

 

Yes 4 months old

11 minutes ago, Dan747 said:

So where is Cambodia getting its mines from?

Probably same place Thailand does.

Thailand does not deny purchasing military supplies from Chine either.

That Cambodia received military supplies at any time can be implied to be "planned in advance" of current hostilities but that assertion by media hawks does not prove  as facts any more than Thakskins daughterś  phone call was a suicidal planned provocation event.

 

 

Lol... as if you can trust these corrupt types. Dream on... of course China did.

Nonsense, Cambodia already confirmed it.

13 hours ago, Dan747 said:

So where is Cambodia getting its mines from?

China, Russia... take a guess

18 hours ago, Dan747 said:

So where is Cambodia getting its mines from?

Cambodia is not getting new mines.

The mines were old ones planted during the period of the Khmer Rouge and there are still many hidden around the country, especially along borders. 

From today's Khmer Times 3rd October 2025:-

 

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) yesterday signed a mine clearance contract worth $5 million with three operators to clear 453 minefields in six provinces.

 

This is why we are told to be cautious and never divert off marked tracks, especially in rural and mountainous areas, like Thai soldiers did!

 

For reference: (Google)

 

 

Major sources include:

• China and Russia: Most of the landmines in Cambodia are of Soviet (Russian) or Chinese origin.
  • Chinese-made mines were used by multiple Cambodian factions, including the Khmer Rouge.
  • Soviet and Chinese mines were also laid by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal rule from 1975 to 1979.
• Vietnam: After driving the Khmer Rouge out of Phnom Penh in 1979, the Vietnamese military forced civilians to create a large defensive minefield along the Thai-Cambodian border. Vietnam also used its own and Chinese-made mines.
• Other countries: Mines found in Cambodia were also manufactured in many other countries, including Belgium, East Germany, Hungary, Italy, Pakistan, and others. 

 

No further comment from me.

15 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

Cambodia is not getting new mines.

The mines were old ones planted during the period of the Khmer Rouge and there are still many hidden around the country, especially along borders. 

From today's Khmer Times 3rd October 2025:-

 

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) yesterday signed a mine clearance contract worth $5 million with three operators to clear 453 minefields in six provinces.

 

This is why we are told to be cautious and never divert off marked tracks, especially in rural and mountainous areas, like Thai soldiers did!

 

For reference: (Google)

 

 

Major sources include:

• China and Russia: Most of the landmines in Cambodia are of Soviet (Russian) or Chinese origin.
  • Chinese-made mines were used by multiple Cambodian factions, including the Khmer Rouge.
  • Soviet and Chinese mines were also laid by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal rule from 1975 to 1979.
• Vietnam: After driving the Khmer Rouge out of Phnom Penh in 1979, the Vietnamese military forced civilians to create a large defensive minefield along the Thai-Cambodian border. Vietnam also used its own and Chinese-made mines.
• Other countries: Mines found in Cambodia were also manufactured in many other countries, including Belgium, East Germany, Hungary, Italy, Pakistan, and others. 

 

No further comment from me.

Rubbish. Cambodian soldiers have literally filmed and photographed themselves being instructed in how to arm the mines and then planting them. And no, don't try to claim that the material is faked, as at least one of the soldiers have been identified as a well-known, Cambodian border patrol soldier.

 

 

20 hours ago, Dan747 said:

So where is Cambodia getting its mines from?

they are growing them like every body else